Star Party Survey

The question of what makes a great star party has been discussed many times in many places, including a lot of star parties. The truth is that what is great to one person may not be great to another. However, I believe that there are a number of common traits which most people consider important for any multi-night star party. Obviously these include dark skies, good weather and friendly people. But typical star parties are located and scheduled to provide reasonably dark skies and a high probability of decent weather, although nature sometimes thwarts our plans. The following questions are intended to provide data to rank these traits in order of relative importance for making a great star party. Once I receive enough replies I will summarize and share the results on this web site and other on line forums.

* Indicates required field

How many years have you attended at least one 3 night or longer star party? *

0 - 1 years2 - 4 years5- 10 yearsMore than 10 years

How many 3 night or longer star parties due you attend per year *

01234 or more

How many nights due you typically stay at a star party *

I never attended a 3 night or longer star party1-2 nights3 - 4 nights5 or more nights

Check the one that best describes what you do most at a star party *

VisualAstrophotographyVideoSketchVisit with friendsOtherI have never attended a star party

Check the one which best describes where you sleep at a star party *

TentCar or TruckCamper, RV, Motor HomeOn Site Cabin, Bunkhouse, Yurt, etc.Off Site Motel/HotelConverted Cargo CarrierOtherI have not yet attended a star party

Please indicate the longest distance in miles or kilometers you are willing to travel to attend a star party *

Please list the star parties you regularly attend *

Please indicate which state you live in if from the U.S., otherwise which country. *

PleaseThe following 4 questions ask you to rank a series of star party features in order of importance. The scale is:​1. "Essential" - those that are most important in deciding to attend a star party and to your overall enjoyment2. "Important" - those that contribute to your overall enjoyment but are not the most critical3. "Slightly Important" - those that are nice to have, but ones you would not miss or may seldom use4. "Not Important" - those that have no impact on your choice of attending or your enjoyment at the star party

To help differentiate among features, there are limits on the number you can select. Please do not select the same item in more than one of the following 4 questions